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Are You Considering Dental Implants

Patient Reviews

What Our Patients Say

Here's what patients experience when they come to Highrock Dental.
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"I couldn’t be happier with my experience. Having moved often as an adult, I’ve seen many dentists over the years, and Dr. Leah truly stands out. My exam was incredibly thorough, and my filling was the easiest and most comfortable I’ve ever had—completely pain-free. Dr. Leah took the time to explain everything and checked in frequently to make sure I was comfortable. If you’re looking for a dentist who combines outstanding skill with genuine care and attention, Dr. Leah van Draanen is an outstanding choice."
Nancy S.
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"Dr. Leah is friendly and professional. She is very approachable and willing to explain why she prefers certain processes, or treatments. She is open to suggestion is always looking at ways to improve and innovate to make things work smoothly and consistently. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her, and I feel she is a great team leader. If I had the opportunity to work with her again I would with no hesitation."
Amanda L.
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I'm from out of town and had a small dental emergency. Leah kindly saw me with very short notice and dealt with my issue patiently(I'm a nervous nellie) and professionally. I was so appreciative, highly recommend!
Deborah F.
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I have known Dr. Leah van Draanen Earkwaker for over 10 years now and have grown to admire her passion and dedication to dentistry. Her patients are very lucky to have such a wonderful human, and talented dentist look after their teeth!
Krista B.
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I brought my fairly shy one year old in for his first dentist appointment with Dr. Leah and she made the whole process so easy and even enjoyable. She was really kind, patient, and gentle with him, and she even let him push buttons, touch tools, and ride the dental chair up and down to get him comfortable with it. She answered all my questions and had some good suggestions for things to try at home. We will definitely continue to see Dr. Leah and would totally recommend her to other families.
Jannet F.

A Permanent Solution, Built to Last

Placement and Restoration, In-House

At Highrock Dental, we handle both the surgical placement of the implant and the design and fitting of the final crown in-house. You work with the same dentist from your first consultation through to your finished restoration, so your care stays coordinated and consistent throughout.

Planned With Precision

Before any treatment begins, we use CBCT imaging to build a precise, three-dimensional picture of your jaw. This allows us to assess your bone volume, identify the position of nerves and sinuses, and plan exactly where the implant should be placed before anything begins.

A Consultation With No Obligation

We offer complimentary implant consultations for patients who are considering their options. We'll examine your mouth, review your imaging, explain what's involved, and give you an honest assessment of whether an implant is the right fit for your situation, with no pressure to proceed.

Financing & Insurance

Insurance and Payments

Canada Life
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Sun Life
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Manulife
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Pacific Blue Cross
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Green Shield
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CDCP
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NIHB
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Healthy Kids Program

What Happens When a Missing Tooth Goes Untreated

A gap left by a missing tooth creates a chain of changes that develop gradually and can be difficult to reverse.

Bone Loss

The jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to lose density within the first year of tooth loss. Without a root stimulating the bone, the body gradually reabsorbs it. Over time, this can change the shape of your jaw and make future implant placement more complex.

Shifting Teeth and Bite Changes

The teeth surrounding a gap drift toward the open space over time, changing your bite and creating new areas of uneven wear. As the bite becomes uneven, the jaw compensates, which can lead to increased strain on the jaw joint and accelerated wear on the teeth absorbing the extra load.

Function and Confidence

A missing tooth can affect how you eat, how you speak, and how comfortable you feel in everyday situations. An implant restores full chewing function and gives you back a complete, stable smile.

Is a Dental Implant Right for You?

A consultation will give us a clear picture of your candidacy. Here are some of the situations where implants are worth considering:

  • You are missing one or more teeth and want a permanent, stable replacement
  • You have a tooth that is too damaged or decayed to save and will need to be extracted
  • You are wearing a denture or partial that feels unstable or uncomfortable and would prefer a fixed solution
  • You have enough healthy bone to support an implant, or are open to discussing bone grafting if needed
  • You want a replacement option that does not rely on surrounding teeth for support
About Our Doctor

Meet Our Doctor

A Comprehensive Approach to Care

From routine dentistry to more complex restorative and surgical treatment, we aim to provide continuity of care whenever appropriate. Every treatment plan is guided by the same priority: achieving an excellent, predictable result that serves you well over time.

Invested in the Long Term

We take the time to understand where your teeth are heading over the next twenty years. Most patients tell us that kind of conversation is something they haven't had before.
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Meet Dr. Van Draanen

What to Expect During Implant Treatment

Implant treatment takes place over several appointments, with a healing period between placement and the final restoration.

Step 1

Complimentary Consultation

Your dentist examines your mouth, reviews your dental and medical history, and takes the imaging needed to assess your bone structure. We talk through your goals and explain what the process involves from start to finish.

Step 2

Treatment Planning

Using your CBCT scan, we plan the precise placement of your implant. If bone grafting is needed to build up the area first, we discuss that as part of your overall treatment timeline.

Step 3

Implant Placement

The implant post is placed directly into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Some mild soreness in the days following placement is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Step 4

Healing and Integration

Over the following months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. This is what gives the implant its stability and strength. We monitor your healing at regular checkups during this period.

Step 5

Crown Placement

Once healing is complete, we take a digital scan of the implant site and design your custom crown. The finished crown is fitted and adjusted until it sits correctly in your bite and blends naturally with your surrounding teeth.

Why Highrock Dental

What to Expect

A Thorough Exam

We collect the full picture and take the time to explain what we find. Patients often tell us it's the most thorough exam they've had. That's something we take seriously.

Know What to Expect

We’ll make every effort to provide a treatment estimate before your appointment, based on your planned care and any insurance information available to us.

We Show You What We See

We use a small camera to show you what's happening in your mouth as we work. When you can see what we see, the conversation about your health becomes a lot clearer.

A Relationship, Not a Transaction

We want to understand your health, follow you over time, and help you make decisions that are right for you. That's the kind of practice Highrock Dental was built to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during the implant healing period?

During osseointegration, the implant gradually fuses with the surrounding bone. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during this phase. We schedule regular checkups to monitor your healing and confirm the implant is integrating as expected before we move on to the final restoration.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Coverage varies significantly by plan. Some insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment, while others do not. We recommend calling the office before your consultation so we can review your benefits and give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Is the implant consultation really complimentary?

Yes. Your implant consultation at Highrock Dental is complimentary, with no obligation to move forward. We want you to have all the information you need to make the right decision for your situation.

Can I get an implant if I have been missing a tooth for a long time?

Yes, though the longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone loss may have occurred. We assess your current bone levels at your consultation and discuss your options, which may include bone grafting if needed.

Will my implant look natural?

Yes. The crown is custom-designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth so that your implant blends in with the rest of your smile.

How long do dental implants last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental implant can last for many years. The crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced over time with normal wear, but the implant itself is designed to be a long-term solution.

How long does the whole implant process take?

The timeline varies depending on your individual case and how long your healing takes. In straightforward cases, the process from placement to final crown typically takes several months. We give you a personalised timeline at your consultation.

Does the implant procedure hurt?

Placement is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Some soreness and mild swelling in the days following is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

What if I don't have enough bone for an implant?

Bone grafting can often build up the area to a level that supports an implant. This adds time to the overall treatment timeline but is a well-established procedure. We discuss this option during your consultation if it applies to your situation.

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

Most patients who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for implants. The key factors are the health of your gums, the volume of bone available to support the implant, and your general health. We assess all of this at your complimentary consultation.

Visit Us

Location

Address

Located on the third floor, two floors above the Esquimalt Public Library. Enter the doors between the library and the coffee shop, take the elevator to the third floor. The office is located to the left when you get out of the elevator. You can access the elevators from the parking garage, take the elevators to the third floor.

503 Park Pl #302, Esquimalt, BC V9A 6Z9
Office Hours
Mon - Fri
8AM - 4PM
Sat - Sun
Closed
We are available by phone during office hours. Emergency appointments are available after hours.
Mon - Fri
8AM - 4PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
We are available by phone during office hours. Emergency appointments are available after hours.
Parking Options
  1. Underground parking in designated stalls in garage off Park Place.
  2. Above ground parking lot off Fraser St. at $1.50/hr.
  3. 2hr Free Parking in Public Lot west of Memorial Park.
Connect With Us

Come and Meet Us